Zubiri's statement on deaths of Robredo, Bahinting

CEBU, Philippines - “It’s truly a sad day for good governance in our country because of the death of Sec. Jessie Robredo. He was a principled and honorable leader and most of all a devoted family man.

“It is also a sad day for the aviation industry for losing a great pilot whose devotion to his craft is second only to his charitable works as a true Christian. I have personally known Capt. Jessup Bahinting for several years and have flown with him on the same plane, several times in the past, the last of which was August 10, 11, and 12. Nothing seemed wrong with the plane at that time and my experience with Capt. Bahinting’s pilot skills are unquestionable.

“Capt. Jessup, as he is fondly called, was a true humanitarian and would always lend his skills and his planes to people in need. More recently, his plane even rescued and brought the aide of Gov. Matugas who survived an assassination attempt last Aug. 13 to a Cebu hospital from Surigao City, as well as the other several humanitarian missions he has done in the past without any fanfare.”

“The country truly lost two great individuals but let’s let their spirit live on inside us. May God bless their souls.”   - THE FREEMAN